FDA Updates "Healthy Food" Definition for the First Time in 30 Years

According to statistics, diet-related illnesses cost the U.S. economy $1.1 trillion annually. The new standards are expected to address this issue at its core.

On December 19, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a major revision to the definition of "healthy food," marking the first comprehensive update in 30 years. This update aims to provide consumers with more complete, accurate, and up-to-date nutritional information through food labels, while also encouraging manufacturers to develop healthier food options.

The Challenge of Diet-Related Diseases

Diet-related diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are leading causes of disability and death in the U.S., contributing to the nation’s position as one of the high-income countries with the lowest life expectancy. The following data highlights the severity of the issue:

• 77% of people consume more saturated fat than dietary guidelines recommend.

• 79% of people have insufficient intake of dairy, fruits, and vegetables in their diets.

• 63% of people consume more added sugars than recommended.

• 90% of people exceed the daily recommended sodium intake.

New Standards for the "Healthy" Label

Manufacturers can voluntarily use the "healthy" claim on food packaging, provided that their products meet the updated definition. Under the new rules, a food product must satisfy two key requirements to qualify as "healthy":

1.     It must contain a certain amount of food from at least one of the food groups or subgroups (such as fruit, vegetables, grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy and protein foods) recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and

2.     It must not exceed specific limits for added sugars, saturated fat and sodium.

Foods That Meet the "Healthy" Claim

Under the updated ”healthy” claim, nutrient-dense foods that are encouraged by the Dietary Guidelines – vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy, lean game meat, seafood, eggs, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, and seeds – with no added ingredients except for water, automatically qualify for the “healthy” claim because of their nutrient profile and positive contribution to an overall healthy diet. 

Examples of "Healthy" foods claim before and after update (Courtesy: FDA)

Industry Reactions

While nutritionists applaud the science-driven updates, the food industry has raised concerns. A Consumer Brands Association analysis found only 3 out of 104 cereals and 24 out of 195 yogurts from a leading manufacturer meet the new criteria. Critics argue overly strict sugar limits could push consumers toward less-regulated options.

“Removing ‘healthy’ labels from moderately sugary foods might backfire, driving shoppers to full-sugar alternatives,” warns Sarah Gallo, Vice President of the Consumer Brands Association.

However, experts like Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and nutrition researcher at Tufts University, counter: “The old rules rewarded processed foods fortified with synthetic nutrients. This change prioritizes real nutrition.”

Future Development of Food Labels

The FDA is currently developing a unified "healthy" symbol, similar to the "organic certification label," to make compliant products easily identifiable and further simplify healthy food choices for consumers.

Implementation Timeline

Effective Date: Originally set for February 25, 2025, the FDA extended the deadline to April 28, 2025, to allow for regulatory reviews.

Industry Deadline: Manufacturers have until 2028 to update labels but are encouraged to adopt changes sooner.

For more information

Visit the FDA official website “Healthy” Claim Resource Page.

https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-finalizes-updated-healthy-nutrient-content-claim